CLARKE – J.Hugh

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Hugh Clarke, husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Hugh passed away after a valiant struggle against prolonged failing health.

Hugh was born on the Saskatchewan side of Loydminster on October 5, 1927. Along with three siblings, Alice, Andrew and Phyllis he spent the first fifteen years of his life on his parent’s farm near Streamstown, Alberta where he developed a lifelong interest in agriculture, gardening and wildlife. In 1943, he moved to Edmonton with his family where he completed high school. He graduated from the University of Alberta in 1949, with a Bachelor of Science degree. Hugh joined the Royal Bank of Canada in May 1949, and was transferred to Medicine Hat in 1950 where he met and married Madeline Brower in 1951.

After a short time in Medicine Hat, Hugh and Madeline were transferred to Edmonton where their son Grant (Rosemary Amerongen) was born in 1952 and then to Cranbrook, B.C. where daughter Brenda (Tony Rustemeier) was born in 1956. Subsequent moves took them back to Edmonton, Montreal, Lethbridge, back to Edmonton again and finally to Calgary where they have lived since 1969. Hugh retired from the bank in March 1987.

Hugh was a dedicated family man who enjoyed the love and respect of his entire family including Grant’s children; Branna-Lea Baronasky, Bud, Kaila-Lea, and Cole; their mother Bonnie-Lea Clarke-Olive; Brenda’s children Matthew, and Neysa Rustemeier; three great-grandchildren, Kaicee, Ozzy, and Jaz Baronasky; his surviving sister, Phyllis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Together, Madeline and Hugh treasured many lifelong friendships and always enjoyed making new friends.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Madeline, Grant and Brenda would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the friends and family who have shown their support during Hugh’s prolonged illness. We would also like to thank the staff at Glenmore Carewest and the Beverly Centre for their dedicated compassionate care.

So sorry to hear of Hugh’s passing. We are currently in California until the end of March so will not be able to attend his memorial service.
Madeline, you have been great friends to us and our family and our thoughts are with you.

Dear Madeline & family:
It was with great sadness that I heard about the passing of Hugh. I will remember him fondly. I enjoyed the years that I worked for him in the Bank. I will cherish those memories. May there be comfort in knowing friends are here for you and they share in your sorrow.

Madeline, Grant, Brenda & families I’m so sorry to hear about Hugh but we all know he’s out of pain now and in a better place. Madeline, I will be up and spend a couple of days with you when things sort of slow down and know you will need a hug or two. Love Peg

We were so sad to receive your call about Hugh’s passing. Our friendship goes back many years and we will now remember the happy times and the many laughs we’ve had over the 43 years. Hugh was a good neighbour, a good friend and a devoted family man. Even through his failing health he always maintained that wonderful smile. Visiting your home and sitting out on the deck admiring Hugh’s beautifully manicured garden will always be remembered.

We are sorry that we will not be in Calgary on Saturdy but to you, Grant and Brenda our sincere sympathy and know that you will be in our thoughts. Now take some time to care for yourself Madeline.

We were sorry to learn of Hugh’s passing. My late father Arnold was a great friend of Hugh’s through their days in the Royal Bank and held Hugh in the highest esteem. My condolences to Madeline and the family.